For countless years, emotional pain has been a catalyst for creation. Musicians and mystics, artists and authors have transformed personal tragedy into works of sublime beauty—and in doing so, often found inner peace. The Art of Cathartic Memoir explicitly shows writers how to recast their experiences into art while encouraging them to find such inner peace. It offers exercises, structure, and inspiration based on a wide range of literary, psychological, and spiritual sources. Drawing upon the ideas of Carolyn Myss, St. John of the Cross, and many others, The Art of Cathartic Memoir supports writers in constructing their life stories in a mystical yet artful way. Whether writing a full-length book or a shorter piece of memoir, The Art of Cathartic Memoir facilitates transformation on many levels and speaks to writers, why they need to create, what keeps them from it, and how to overcome resistance.
“Krista has been a friend and trusted editor for several years. She has worked with me and my brother on a manuscript authored by our deceased father. As a skilled writer, Krista quickly identified and sensitively corrected the technical and grammatical issues involved in dealing with a non-native English speaker. More importantly, she readily grasped the meaning and intent of what was written. She was able to delve into what our father was thinking and his motivation as he wrote particular passages and recalled specific scenes.”
—A. Zygielbaum, Lincoln, Nebraska

“Krista’s workshop and gentle facilitation enabled even the beginning writer to tap into skills never before realized. Her workshop gave me permission to play with words in my head and allow those words to dance on paper.”
—D. Brown, Lincoln, Nebraska

About the Author

Krista Burlae is the founder of Catharsis Writing Institute in New Mexico and author of the workbook, The Art of Cathartic Memoir. First a social worker in community mental health and hospice, she ultimately expanded her desire to help people to a wider audience by following her aspirations as a writer and entrepreneur. Her groundbreaking theory of violence prevention gained the attention of researchers around the globe upon its publication in 2004. Krista has published fiction and has won awards as a playwright. In 2006, she founded and guided a small business, Writer’s Wellspring, editing several memoirs awaiting publication. She has taught psychology, sociology, and college writing in academic settings and for the general public. She offers creative writing workshops, coaches authors, ghostwrites, and edits books, specializing in memoir.